fluffyfish007
104461
1267
43
I'm 9 months in to actually trying to work out consistently. Lord I still can't get over the hump of making it habit.
My #1 goal is to be able to do a pull up. Today I needed 100lbs assist to do this (hat and crappy cropping to come are for face blocking)
I couldn't do 1 full push up today. It might be that those muscles are still recovering from my push up workout 4 days ago... But even that still feels embarrassing- hence my lil curse
On my knees I didn't fare much better. Only 4 before my arms gave out.
I am having a hard time enjoying my workouts. People say you gotta find something you like doing to make it a habit, and I've tried many different types of workout but just can't make it stick. At least I'm still trying, even if there are times I go weeks without hitting the gym once.
Down, but not out
But it's not all bad. One of my goals was to hold a plank for 1 minute, and I did it! So at least I got that going for me.
Tax is my son, demonstrating how tired I feel after a push up attempt. Here's to another 3 months of not feeling like I'm going anywhere, but at least I haven't given up on the road
FP edit: thank you for the kind words! Some folks are assuming this is a room in my house... LOL! y'all have houses? It's my apartment shared gym, I'm lucky to have it but I'm not the baller some of you think I am haha
SciFiGuy2018
Keep it up! We believe in you!
goodtimehadbyall
Probably hard to see what progress you've made without eyeholes in the hat.
hipifreq
stonebreaker6
Don’t talk to or about yourself like that, @OP. You’re trying, you’re consistent, and you’re fighting the hood fight. Be kind to you
Justwannasocialize
Dude, suckin’ at something is the first step to being sorta good at something.
-Jake the Dog
CrispyNougat
cabalin
I recommend doing more weight training. Research what would be a good set of lifts to work on. Begin with weights you can handle then appl
cabalin
Apply progressive overload gradually. Track your lifts in a notebook or spreadsheet. Doing this will not only build your strength but
cabalin
Will keep it interesting by giving you achievable goals on a short term basis
TheobromineAddict
You might want to get a personal trainer who can show you ways to enjoy your workout… and having appointments may motivate you.
fluffyfish007
Definitely on my wish list, just what I've found near me so far I can't afford at the moment!
BoingBoingBoingBoingBoing
You stuck to it for 9 months. Well done
Itsallgreytome
@ op Something you might find useful is to find a workout buddy. It doesn’t need to be someone that physically goes with you. 1/?
Itsallgreytome
You could do it over FaceTime or some other app. You might be surprised how much a support buddy can help.
SteveMND
"At least I'm still trying" Do NOT underestimate the importance of that accomplishment. That puts you MILES ahead of most (myself included).
Lurch1911
90% of it is just showing up, even a shitty workout is better than no workout.
lilmookieesquire
that shitty pain feeling, and getting hella sleep, is how you get stronger. It sucks and it's slow, but it happens!
kaymon
You may think you suck, but compare yourself to 9 months ago. Are you keeping track of your progress?
fluffyfish007
Yes! My post history is less actually about sharing and more just keeping myself accountable. I've made some progress, but not much yet
kaymon
Small steps are still steps. I couldn't do a full pull up without months of offsets first. Keep up the good work!
HotCarle
You can do a pull-up. Try on a normal bar with your grip closer. Neutral grip is easier too. Negatives and isoholds are your friend!
LitchLitch
If you want advice, I would spend some time focusing on the biggest muscles first, for a pull up that is probably shoulders/deltoids.
Microsoftpp
Definitely. Have to strengthen your core and nervous system first.
okbruh
What you're experiencing is completely normal, keep at it!!
poobly
I started the same journey back in June. My shape has changed but I still can’t do the wide grip pull up without assistance. Keep going!!!
terriblethunderlizards
Id like to know if you're doing this all on your own or if you have a trainer. You may need some guidance in your workouts to hit your goal
drduffer
Since you didn’t mention it, have you considered getting a coach or firing the one you have if you have one. You ought to be farther along.
drduffer
> Full disclosure: I have no business giving advice as I am an overweight couch potato who only wishes he exercised. At least you’re working
fluffyfish007
Can't afford one right now, saving for a new couch. Maybe after that I can swap couch fund for coach fund!
drduffer
Well done!
CoachMcgurl
Or a couch coach fund.
Allisrevealed
Everyday! Rain or shine. Hungover. Happy or sad. Develop easy rotations for 1 year. Then bump up the weight. Every day is important.
Micro2112
I got way farther in pull up progression by doing negatives for a few weeks then doing assisted for months
Omnimorph2112
The thing about pullups and pushups is that they're body dependent. It's gonna be harder for some than others. Keep up the exercising and /
Omnimorph2112
it will eventually become easier.
ThatGuyVinny
Took me a year and a half of gyming before I could do a single pull up. I could deadlift 170kg before I could do one. they are fucking hard
alwaysnice
I don't want to burst your bubble but after a year and a half of consistently working out and it still sucks.
cardinal29
I hate it. I start something, hoping this will be the thing that sticks. But I always HATE it, and I quit. I hate working out.
shabbarankandfile
Professional fitness guy here. You've got all the stuff—work ethic, consistency, durability. You've just gotta make things easier.
TunnelRat13
You give fantastic advice! Thanks. @OP what this guy says is gold.
shabbarankandfile
Much obliged, partner
shabbarankandfile
Higher incline on the push-ups. Or use blocks under your sternum for partial ROM. Inverted rows instead of pull-ups. Keep working hard...
shabbarankandfile
Just don't get stuck thinking that an exercise has to be anything other than something you're good at with a bit of effort.
vraxoin
Pull-ups are hard. Keep going and don't beat yourself up. Give yourself plenty of recovery time. Eat enough, especially proteins.
barnwolf
I could never build muscle as a kid. In hindsight I think it's because of diet.
MsBehavinMaven
So much this. I’ve been trying to for *years* now to get just one strict pull-up. Keep going!! 💪
TongueWagger
Don’t use the assistance. The power comes from the core. Do hollow holds laying on your back. Feel that pull in your abs. Jump up on the /1
TongueWagger
Pull-up bar and hold it in the top. Position your body like you are in the hollow hold, only vertically. Keep doing both of these moves /2
TongueWagger
Until you have the muscle memory to use those abs while pulling up. You’ll get it faster than you think!
justadudewholovescats
.
Zzap1
I learned by doing them in "reverse order". I would jump into the position and just hold it until I gave out. I gradually jumped less 1/
Zzap1
And pulled more. I eventually did about 15 with BW and was able to do 8 with 15kg added weight :) took about 2 yrs from 0 to that
Cyanide555
Pullups are horrendous. Nothing easy about them.
monkeyfly
Yeah pull ups are probably the hardest body weight exercise to develop. Consistency, recovery and fuel are the key.
sprinklemetimbers
And use your back muscles! It’s not about your arms.
fluffyfish007
Diet for sure is where I need to target next, I eat enough, just not the "right" stuff. I'm also a very picky eater tho. One thing at a time
OmegaZen
If you aren't consistent and skipping weeks, then you will gain nothing. You need to force yourself, and do 3 sets of as many as you can/1
fluffyfish007
Definitely. First big gap was no real excuse, second I had a longgggggg cold and couldn't breathe right so I'll give me more grace there
OmegaZen
I have a great workout routine that's for bodybuilding but it has everything anyone could need if you want it.
OmegaZen
Don't expect to be motivated all the time. I have to force myself to work out, you HAVE to do it, unless you want to be fked when older
bhobby1212
Push-ups are about building muscle memory. Do push-ups in the door way standing up at an incline make sure your form is great do this 1/2
bhobby1212
5-6 times a day 15-20 times each time, it will help a lot. You will see an improvement in 30-60 days.
FestusMA
This seems like a great idea - thanks, I’ma try it!
UncleVenoM
That will be terrible form, your hands will be way out to the side, awful on your shoulders. Same idea but use stairs and good form.
bhobby1212
Depends on what muscles you target. Wide are push-ups target the chest same as wide arm bench. Shoulder with is biceps/triceps
UncleVenoM
Show me a person with shoulders so broad a doorway creates good form for even wide push ups. I am 6'1" with broad shouldrs and it's too wide
bhobby1212
https://youtu.be/pQUsUHvyoI0
JustDriftingAboutTheInterWebs
I dont think you should be so hard on yourself. I'm sure it can be frustrating, but the fact you put in effort for 9 months is huge
JustDriftingAboutTheInterWebs
pettingmycatwhileipoo
Ive never done anything for 9 months. I was even born 5 weeks premature.
Noobaliciou5
Don't focus on what you should be doing. Only focus on what you are doing now vs what you were doing a week/month ago.
truthader
YES! @OP, for the absolute entirety of your post I was thinking, “THIS is inspiring!” Thank you for sharing with us! Keep up the great work!
Aforaseem
If I put 9 months of effort into Piano, and not dropped off after 15 days. I would've been able to play 1 tune I wanted
RyanOfAthens
This!
lighterletter
You may also lose some progress by going so long without a work out. Healthy bodies need maintenance. Good sleep and healthy food help. @OP
lighterletter
Also, stretch, but don't over extend yourself. Start with one push up and see if you can do two the next or after next day, take rest days.
OmegaZen
Nah enough with the BS. They aren't consistent. Working out isn't always enjoyable, you have to force yourself to do it, so nut up and /1
OmegaZen
commit. you should be doing 3 sets of as many as you can for pushups and pullups, twice a week. You would be there after 2 months.
HarryDresdenIsMySpiritAnimal
Thanks, Chad (Alpha Male).
OmegaZen
I'm giving real advice that helps, but keep giving them "positive vibes" it's really helping them, considering after 9 months they struggle
MyVerySmarterUserName
A good trainer doesn’t go “you do you”. They push you no matter your feelings. Tough love is what it’s all about, is effective. So I agree.
ShowMeThemCatsFella
That alpha mentality is pretty beta.
the3th
big time. the only thing most folks succeed at for 9 months is growing a human.
OmegaZen
BS, this is weak mentality that gets people no where. 9 months is enough to go from weak to strong with the right routine and commitment
CaptainCanadiann
You're getting downvoted but you're not wrong...
the3th
while i agree with the second half of your statement, i'm commending this individual on at least having some semblance of commitment.
JustDriftingAboutTheInterWebs
I'll almost always choose to encourage someone like this over being nasty and negative. But that's just me.
OmegaZen
No one is being nasty, and the truth needs to be said bc no one actually is useful. give them your thoughts and prayers while you're at it
the3th
they could have 5 kids and work 80 hrs a week. we don't know their situation. good on folks for trying and not blaming bad luck.